Starting this thread on the first boat in my life. I have been sending PM's to a couple of folks with what I consider total new guy questions that could get me laughed off the forum. They said to "Have at it" and post them.

Here goes, when joining the frames to the gussets, do you suggest the System 3 product?

For the record, I'm 56 and live in South Georgia, so type slow........

Any epoxy product will work. I use Aeromarine for everything as it is less expensive and is non blushing. Some use West System, others the GlenL or System 3. For gluing you should thicken the epoxy resin or use epoxy glue. You could also elect to use a waterproof glue such as Titebond III for gluing frames and use epoxy resin for encapsulation and wetting out fibreglass cloth.

You won't get laughed off here, they are a great bunch... might get ribbed very now and then though.

I use exclusively West Systems as it is available just down the road. Being on your side of the pond you could order the Glen-L epoxy and know it is right for the job. My main advice (personal opinion) would be don't risk using cheap stuff as it literally holds the boat together and you just don't need disappointments when you are tackling such a project.Start using the search on the board and you will find a lot of what you might ask has been addressed previously. There is a wealth of information stored away here just waiting to be found.

Welcome and keep us updated even when you don't need answers to questions.

I used MASS epoxy on both my boats and had great results. I have seen many builders with the West System and they also make a great product. If I had to do again... I would not have a problem with either one. Bottom line... most epoxy systems out in the market today are really good and you should not have any issues with them.

John the shipping on the plywood is what gets you so if you can goo ahead and order up some of the ply toull need for the rest of the boat youll get a much better deal also there are a few places in fla. that sell the mahogany marine ply so if you don't mind driving to pick it up youll save a bunch boat builder central is in Vero beach fla.

I used System 3 because it is a 2:1 ratio epoxy and you can use a digital kitchen scale to measure the goo and get a perfect mix every time. The pumps fail... or worse... can burp and through off a mix.. I did not use West System because the 5:1 math is not worth it..

All of the epoxies used as glue are very good...

Now - if you are using an epoxy that will go over lightweight cloth and be finished bright - then the ONLY choice is MAS low viscosity resin. That stuff is outstanding and the weave of the cloth is not visible in even the most direct sunlight...

Tracing paper arrived Friday. Did the layout on the 4x8 sheet. Thank you Bill E. for tip on starting frames before form build. Question: The frames require Half-Laps to join the boards. My pedigree is more Fine Woodworking, and wonder if I can use my Bandsaw to make the Half-Laps? Instead of using a router or Dado on the cabinet saw? I have a couple bandsaws, and would use my tricked out 18in Rikon with the Woodslicer resaw blade. I use it for veneer work.Would that be ok for joining the frames?

I'm no familiar with your boat's design so I can't answer your question directly, but I know that I am finding all sorts of hidden gems of knowledge in my own plans. Things that are not immediately apparent until I spend a bunch of time looking at the plans.

Then there are things that only become apparent when looking at pictures. For example, I saw an interior shot of the Vera Cruise that clearly showed a small portion of the frame above the center aisle floorboards. I am going to have to try and figure out if I can do anything about that or just live with it.

I just started on the first frame (7). The beam and side frame at the top are half-lapped. I think that is the only frame that uses laps, and on the bottom of frame 7 it is the standard gusset.Question: When are the notches cut for chine and shear in the frames? During initial frame assembly or when fitting chine and shear?